Saturday, January 5, 2013

Shamisen Player - Koji Yamaguchi
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Tokai Japan Canada Society - Business Committee

Person Of Interest
 
We aim to bring you stories of interesting people in Japan or Canada that have excelled at a vocation or are an integral part of making the Tokai Japan Canada Society continue to work at improving ties between Japan and Canada.

Person of Interest: Koji Yamaguchi

Career: Shamisen Player

Age: 23 years old

Hometown: Nagoya, Aichi

Our first POI Person of Interest is Mr. Koji Yamaguchi. Koji has been making music since he was 9 years old. Learning from his master teacher and becoming an elite shamisen player he brings great joy to those of the older generations as they can listen to traditional Japanese folk music played both traditionally and with a new found zest. Additionally, Koji plays a style that shows fast and furious energy and his shows always have a unique brand of vigor and a long overdue collaborative style with non-traditional instruments. Additionally he occasionally breathes new life to other Pop music melodies famous with international listeners.

Mr. Yamaguchi will be playing with a small group of 4 other players at the Tokai Japan Canada Society (TJCS) Shinenkai on January 16, 2013.

To view the event go here: http://bit.ly/TJCSBIZ2013-1

Q: Which is your favorite international artist?
A: Herbie Hancock I like the character and depth of the artist.
(Herbie Hancock is a legend in modern music with 14 Grammy Awards.)

Q: What instrument would you think would be great with the shamisen?
A: Any instrument would be good, but I would like to collaborate with a pianist. For vocals, of course Herbie Hancock would be great.

Q: What advice would you give someone who aims to be great at what they do, musical or otherwise.
A: Just enjoy what you do. No matter what it is, if you can’t have a passion for what you do, it will be difficult to excel!

Q: What would you like others you know about you and the shamisen?
A: I want others to know about the instrument itself including the materials that go into making the parts.
-       These instruments sell from $3000 - $50,000



Where you can find Koji Yamaguchi: